Cheshire Cat (Blink-182 album)
Cheshire Cat is the debut studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on February 17, 1995, by Cargo Music. The trio, composed of guitarist Tom DeLonge, bassist Mark Hoppus, and drummer Scott Raynor, formed in 1992 and recorded three demos that impressed the San Diego–based Cargo label. In addition, their reputation as an irreverent local live act at venues such as SOMA alerted the label, who was seeking to expand into different genres.
Original cover with original band name. Current pressings use the same cover with the added "-182" in the band name.
Blink at the Gorilla Pit in 1993
Jeff Forrest at Doubletime Studios, where the band went for additional recording
Cargo promoted the album with adverts in skateboarding magazines, such as Thrasher.
Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. Their current and best-known line-up consists of bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. Though their sound has diversified throughout their career, their musical style, described as pop-punk, blends catchy pop melodies with fast-paced punk rock. Their lyrics primarily focus on relationships, adolescent frustration, and maturity—or lack thereof. The group emerged from a suburban, Southern California skate punk scene and first gained notoriety for high-energy live shows and irreverent humour.
Blink-182 in 2023. Left to right: Travis Barker, Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus.
Blink at the Gorilla Pit in 1993
Blink-182 performing in 1993
The band became a mainstay at local all-ages venue Soma during their early years.
